JAMES TAYLOR JT MFSL 1-354 180 gram Audiophile LP A Numbered, Limited-Edition, 180-gram LP, Sourced from Original Master Tapes. An All-Star Cast Assists Taylor In Exploring All Sides of Domestic Issues, Earning Triple-Platinum Album James Taylor's best-selling record since 1970's hallmark Sweet Baby James, 1977's JT takes its permanent place as one of the singer's most enduring albums, an affair that gorges on country, blues, and rock styles and incisive songwriting.   As the preeminent singer-songwriter's Columbia debut, it catapulted him back into the limelight and reestablished his place as the era's leading-edge folk-rock troubadour. Half-speed mastered from the original analog master tapes, our numbered limited-edition 180g LP possesses a warmth, immediacy, and intimacy that surpasses that available on any of Taylor's prior albums, Rhino's analog reissues included.   The singer's comforting voice, breath control, and enchanting guitar lines sound as if they pour right out of the studio control room, and the splendid array of backing instrumentation is balanced, vivid, and dynamic.   You've never heard Taylor this realistic, warm, or lively. More than any other of his records, the triple-platinum JT features all sides of Taylor's lyrical persona.   Optimistic, content material fills half of the set while Taylor also reveals a darker, moodier identity on a number of songs that keep the 12-track set alternating between shade and light, shadow and sun.   He turns romantic and blissful on the touching ballad “There We Are,” praises the power of love on “Your Smiling Face,” and enchants with the graceful “Secret O'Life.” In addition to the domestic bliss, Taylor also expresses surprise and cynicism on “Honey Don't Leave L.A.,” delves into despair on “Another Grey Morning,” and invites sardonic tones on “Bartender's Blues.”   The result is a complete picture of an extraordinary songwriter, and accurate sketches of the mixed emotions so many of us feel.   Taylor's ability to capture deep-seeded feelings, and set them to lyrical and musical poetry, explains why we relate to him on such a meta-level.   It's also why his music, particularly JT, remains timeless. Taylor doesn't do it all alone.   JT benefits from an all-star support cast.   Iconic singers Carly Simon and Linda Ronstadt supply background vocals, saxophone great David Sanborn plays the horn, Russ Kunkel mans the percussion, and legendary arranger David Campbell oversees the strings and woodwinds.   It's no wonder why many fans consider this gorgeous collection of Laurel Canyon pop-rock Taylor's finest. We are honored to have given this easy listening late-70s gem the sonic restoration befitting its brilliant musical content.   Whether you've never heard this record or know it inside and out, this 180g analog reissue will open your ears to previously hidden details ranging from pedal-steel guitar accents to honky-tonk tonalities that add to the overall enjoyment.   Taylor's funky rhythms, too, gain in stature, as does his meticulous command of pace and tempo.   Bliss. Side 1. 1. Your Smiling Face 2. There We Are 3. Honey Don't Leave L.A. 4. Another Grey Morning 5. Bartender's Blues 6. Secret O' Life Side 2. 1. Handy Man 2. I Was Only Telling a Lie 3. Looking for Love on Broadway 4. Terra Nova 5. Traffic Jam 6. If I Keep My Heart Out of Sight Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab recordings are distributed in Australia by Rockian Trading